Hollywood has seen its fair share of iconic romances, but undoubtedly one of its most loved stories is of Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan. From meeting on a TV set to raising a beautiful family together, their relationship is the perfect example of lasting love in an industry famous for fleeting relationships. Over decades, their relationship has become a testament to patience, understanding, and commitment.
Their ‘happily ever after’ life began more than three decades ago, where they were cast opposite each other in Family Ties as love interests. While they both had other relationships at the time, their paths crossed again on the film, Bright Lights, which sparked a romance between them, which led to marriage and parenthood. Read on to know about their relationship timeline.
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan’s first meeting
Michael and Tracy first met in 1985, when the actress joined the cast of Family Ties as ‘Ellen Reed’, who was the love interest of Michael’s character. Even though, their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, their connection remained limited to friendship as Tracy was with Kevin Bacon and Michael with Nancy McKeon. Later, the duo reunited on the sets of the film, Bright Lights, where both were single. While shooting, the couple felt an instant connection and started dating. In September 1987, the duo made their first appearance as a couple on the 39th annual Emmy awards.
Michael J. Fox tied the knot with Tracy Pollan in Vermont
Within seven months of dating each other, the actor, Michael proposed to Tracy on December 26, 1987. In July 1988, the duo tied the knot in Woodstock, Vermont. The wedding, attended by family, close friends, and notable celebrities like Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, and Meg Rya, marked the beginning of their life together. During a 1989 cover story, Michael opened up about his proposal and marriage to PEOPLE and shared:
“I wasn’t really worried that she would say no. The toughest part was trying to figure out when to get married, and then to figure out how nobody else could know about it.”
On May 30, 1989, the couple welcomed their first child-son, Sam Michael, followed by twin daughters, Aquinnah Kathleen and Schuyler Frances on February 15, 1995. Later, in 2001, they welcomed another daughter, Esmé Annabelle. According to Michael’s close friend, Woody Harrelson, the Family Ties actor was a hands-on father, who read books related to kids and only talked about kids.
Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
In 1991, the Back to the Future actor, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29. Even though, he decided to keep it private, in 1998, he publicly disclosed his diagnosis. Two years later, in 2000, he launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and during the same time, he left the sitcom, Spin City, as he wanted to focus on his family. In a statement, he had shared:
“I could not be more proud of the show, our cast, writers, crew, and all that we have accomplished over the last four years, yet I feel that right now my time and energy would be better spent with my family and working toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease.”
In 2013, Michael had opened up about his disease and had shared that his first reaction after knowing about it was alcohol. He started drinking every single day. In 2013, he recalled an incident and shared that it was Tracy, who helped him leave alcohol. Michael had started going to Alcoholics Anonymous and therapy, which helped him a lot. As of 2025, it’s been more than 30 years that Michael is facing Parkinson disease.
Michael J. Fox opened up about his married life with Tracy Pollan
During candid conversations with PEOPLE between 2018 and 2020, Michael had recalled his married life and shared that he is happy with his life and loves being around Tracy. He also revealed that because of Tracy’s support, he feels like a good husband, father and friend. He had shared:
“My life now is quiet, and I’m actually having a really good time. People don’t believe me, but I love life. I love being with my family. I love being with Tracy. I love that I don’t do a lot of useless stuff that I used to do, because I don’t have the energy or the time. Every day we have something we laugh about for a good two minutes. The kind of support she gives me, I feel like a husband, a father and a friend first, and then somewhere way down the line, I’m someone with Parkinson’s.”
Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan’s relationship is built on mutual respect, humor, and unwavering support, which continues to inspire fans worldwide. Most recently, the couple was spotted at the US Open in 2025, where Michael was on a wheelchair. What are your thoughts on their relationship? Let us know.
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